Press release

Following
two deadly airplane crashes, members of Western New York's federal
delegation are calling on the Federal Aviation Administration to move
quickly to finalize aviation safety rules requiring new pilot
training standards.

"We are urging the FAA to work
with expediency to finalize what has been a long, bureaucratic
process of rule implementation prompted by the lessons we learned
after the crash of Flight 3407," said Congressman Brian Higgins.
"More than four years have passed since that tragic day and yet the
wait continues for changes which will save lives."

"It is unconscionable that the
FAA has not fully implemented the flight training rules that we
passed in the aftermath of the Flight 3407 crash in Western New
York," Rep. Louise Slaughter said. "The greatest way to honor
those who were lost - as well as the victims' families who paid
their own way to Washington many times to lobby for this legislation
- is to work to prevent future tragedies. Our thoughts and prayers
go out to the families of these victims, as does our solemn pledge to
continue fighting for improvements to airline safety."

"The life-saving measures that
Congress enacted in the Airline Safety Act were designed to prevent
tragedies similar to Flight 3407, and the yet recent crashes in San
Francisco and Alaska are tragic reminders that there is more work to
do to accomplish one level of safety," said U.S. Sen. Kirsten
Gillibrand "These are preventable disasters, and there must not be
any further delay in action to implement these critical safety
improvements."

"This is another unfortunate
example of the need for the FAA to fully implement flight safety
requirements, and do so as soon as possible," Rep. Tom Reed said.
"We will not stop fighting for all victims and their families on
this public safety issue. We do not need yet another fatal crash for
the FAA to fully implement safety protections."

"The
sooner we get these rules on the books, the better - that's why
we're keeping our foot on the gas until these crucial new airline
safety standards for pilot training are in place," U.S. Sen.
Charles Schumer said. "The tragedy and lessons of Flight 3407 must
make air travel safer, and we are urging that the FAA keep its word
and get these regulations finalized on schedule."

On
July 6, Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crashed while approaching San
Francisco International Airport, resulting in two deaths and more
than 160 people injured (of the 300-plus passengers on board). On
July 7, an air taxi crashed at the Soldotna Airport in Alaska killing
all 10 people on board. The National Transportation Safety Board sent
a team to investigate both crashes.

While
details are still emerging, initial reports indicate the Asiana pilot
had limited experience flying a Boeing 777 and it may have been the
first time he was landing this particular type of aircraft.

Working
closely with Flight 3407 families, the Western New York delegation
pushed for, and in 2010 Congress approved, sweeping new aviation
safety requirements for pilots and airlines, which included new
transparencies for regional carriers, increased training for pilots
and new policies to protect against pilot fatigue.

The
delegation said a number of deadlines for rule implementation
required under the Airline Safety Act were previously missed,
delaying important safety provisions. The Congressmembers want to
make sure all upcoming deadlines are met. A rule requiring 1,500
hours of flight training for co-pilots is due Aug. 1. Another rule
requiring additional simulator training on stall situations for
pilots is due in October.

Colgan
Air Flight 3407 crashed on approach to the Buffalo Niagara
International Airport on Feb. 12, 2009, killing all on board and one
inside a home. Pilot training and fatigue were cited as factors in
the crash.